DAVID JAMES reckons City's up-tempo performance against Aston Villa on Sunday could spark a strong league finish.

Last season the Blues pushed themselves to the brink of Europe with a late charge, and England international James believes the same can happen again.

"The way we played was non-stop, Thomas Sorensen made some decent saves but we just kept at it. The set-plays were terrific and the spirit typified our home form more than our away form.

"The whole performance should put us in good stead for our away games, because we are confident enough at home. If we can reproduce the Villa performance in our remaining away games we could look to get some decent points."

James also echoed manager Stuart Pearce's praise of the fans, adding on the club's website: "There is always talk about the fans, but they were awesome even at 1-0 down. They were singing all the way through and took up one entire end.

"In the seasons since I joined City we have been out of the cup early, so this three-game cup run is definitely taking the imagination of the fans. There is a real opportunity for us to do well in it this season."

Has the Villa comeback given you new confidence in the Blues? Have your say.